Held annually at Chu Dang Ya Volcano in Gia Lai, Wild Sunflower Week 2024 brings the region’s wildflowers to life with cultural performances, interactive activities, and culinary experiences. The festival is designed to experience both the breathtaking beauty of wild sunflowers and the rich, vibrant culture of Gia Lai’s ethnic communities. With an exciting range of events and attractions, it promises an unforgettable celebration of nature and tradition.

Event highlights and cultural displays in Wild Sunflower Week

The Wild Sunflower Week 2024 in Gia Lai is set to be a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, featuring various traditional music and dance performances. The event will occur from November 6th to November 12th, 2024 with 3-day focus: from November 8th to 10th. The festival programs will take place at: Ia Gri village communal house yard, Chu Dang Ya commune volcano area, Nghia Hung commune area, Chu Pah district; Bien Ho area, Pleiku city.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at around 8am on November 8th, at the communal house yard of Ia Gri village, Chu Dang Ya commune, Chu Pah district. There will be a ceremony to award the Vietnamese Record for "The Central Highlands Gong Performance with the largest number of participating artists and student actors in Vietnam".

Coming to the festival, visitors will be immersed in cultural and artistic activities and folk games imbued with the identity of "Gia Lai Land and People". Within the framework of the Week, there are 11 main activities including cultural activities including: 

• Gong performances
• Xoang dance
• Weaving
• Statue carving
• Musical instrument making
• Introducing brocade costumes
• Cultural artifacts
• Traditional handicrafts
• Local specialties
• Recreating the New Rice Celebration ceremony of the Jrai people
• Rice pounding performances

Wild Sunflower Week in Gia Lai

People can expect captivating gong performances that echo the region's rich cultural history, alongside folk dances that reflect the customs of local ethnic communities. The event will showcase traditional crafts like woodcarving, weaving, and musical instrument making, giving insight into skills passed down through generations. Additionally, cultural fashion shows will highlight the diverse attire of various ethnic groups, providing an engaging visual narrative of the area’s cultural tapestry.

Meaning of the Wild Sunflower Week 2024

Wild Sunflower Week is an occasion to honor the distinctive natural beauty of the Central Highlands and preserve the local culture. The brilliant yellow wild sunflowers bloom in abundance, covering the Chu Dang Ya volcano, creating a unique landscape that attracts numerous visitors.

This event also aims to promote tourism, providing an opportunity for locals to showcase their unique products, traditional cuisine, and customs of the Gia Lai region. Through this, the event calls for investment and gradually develops various types of tourism, helping to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the ethnic communities within the province.

The beauty of wild sunflower attracts a lot of people

Interactive activities for visitors in Wild Sunflower Week

For those seeking a more interactive experience, the festival presents a range of activities designed to engage and entertain.

Traditional games

As part of Wild Sunflower Week, a variety of traditional games will engage you in the rich cultural heritage of Gia Lai. These activities, such as tug-of-war and bamboo pole dancing, are not only fun but also serve as a way to foster community spirit and togetherness. Stilt walking, another popular activity, challenges balance and agility, inviting both young and old to partake in laughter-filled moments that celebrate local customs and teamwork.

People join in stilt walking activity

In addition, you can also participate in different games such as blindfolded pot smashing, blindfolded duck catching, sack jumping. These traditional games also provide an opportunity for cultural exchange, as participants interact with local residents and learn about their significance. You will find yourselves immersed in an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie, enhancing the festive spirit of the week. 

Athletic events

In addition to cultural activities, Wild Sunflower Week will feature exciting athletic events that cater to adventure enthusiasts and fitness lovers. One of the main attractions is the scenic Half Marathon - Awakening the Chu Pah countryside - A journey connecting Mountains and Flowers (9th to 10th November), which takes participants through breathtaking landscapes adorned with blooming sunflowers and offers stunning views of the volcano. This marathon route not only challenges runners but also allows them to appreciate the natural beauty of Gia Lai, making it a unique running experience.

Run marathon among the beauty of wild sunflowers

Furthermore, from 8th to 11th November, guided hikes to the summit of Chu Dang Ya will be available, providing another way to explore the area’s stunning scenery. These hikes are designed to accommodate various fitness levels, ensuring that everyone can partake in the adventure. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, participants will learn about the local flora and fauna while enjoying the panoramic vistas from the top. 

The beauty of wild sunflower when hiking to the top of the volcano

Other activities

Visitors coming to the festival can enjoy local culinary specialties, such as bamboo-tube rice, grilled chicken, jar wine, and cassava leaves. They can also buy products and items with a strong Gia Lai identity as gifts for relatives and friends. These include baskets, handbags (both with handles and hand-held), flower vases for dried flowers, and decorative trays. 

In particular, the festival also displays traditional costumes for everyday life, festivals, weddings, etc. of ethnic groups in Chu Pah district (Kinh, Jrai, Bahnar, Xe Dang, Tay, Nung). Along with that, at this Festival Week, there are also art exchange programs, performances of traditional Central Highlands musical instruments by a number of clubs, bands, music groups, and art units inside and outside the province. These activities occur from 8th to 10th November.

In addition, there will be hot air balloon releases, creating opportunities for visitors to directly experience hot air balloons. You will see the entire Chu Nam mountain peak, Chu Dang Ya volcano and the scenery of Pleiku city. You can observe this activity in the period of 8th to 11th November.

Many exciting activities take place in the event

Wild Sunflower Week 2024 at Chu Dang Ya Volcano is a fun, colorful way to experience both nature and culture. With bright fields of sunflowers as the backdrop, everyone can enjoy local music, crafts, and traditional games alongside adventure events like scenic hikes. It's a time to enjoy the best of Gia Lai, connect with local customs, and make lasting memories in a warm, festive atmosphere. Let's make a plan for a Vietnam tour and grab your chance now!